Friday, February 8, 2019

A Toast to New Orleans Feb 5- 13: The Book of Mormon/ CAC's SWEETARTS 2019 / Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio / Round Table Luncheon


 
Darlings,

Now that the "Sleeper Bowl"  is over, let's concentrate on the biggest celebration in town, Mardi Gras 2019!.

I do want to congratulate the adoring crowds that stayed away from the TV and crowded our street in a jubilant celebration. We were robbed but not defeated.
As the news reported ".Boycott Bowl has an emotional and economic impact in New Orleans."
 

I found out the results of the game the day after. I did keep the TVs on different channels to show that we were not watching the Bowl. The lowest coverage ever. Bravo!

2019 Galatoire's Table Auction for Mardi Gras
Melanie Talia, CEO of  of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, Melvin Rodrigue  

C.O.O. at Galatoire's, 

  
 Auctioneer Ruthie Winston & Billie Clark, GM of Galatoire's 

OMG!  What a fun evening!
As in the past, every year I look forward to attending the annual fun and for a great cause :Galatoire's Table Auction for the 2019 Friday before Mardi Gras Luncheon. 
The Galatoire Foundation invited its loyal customers to bid at its annual Annual Mardi Gras Auction for the tables on the first floor for the Friday before Mardi Gras.(March 1st) 
00% of the auction proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, VIA LINK and the Galatoire Foundation.. During the lively auction, Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served and with a few hours, over $144,900 was raised. My darling friend, Anna Bastian, bought a table and invited me to join her and a few friends. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155791587535870&type=1&l=fefef413a2


Among the additional  fun events that I attended was 2019 French Quarter Festival Press Conference & Musical Line-up. Wait until you see the lineup to my favorite festival: April 11-14.

2019 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron
Ayo Scott is Official Poster Artist of 2019 French Quarter Festival of    
Irma Thomas 
The 2019 poster features a portrait of Soul Queen of New Orleans and regular Festival headliner, Irma Thomas. In the background are the Mississippi River and a glimpse of the Woldenberg Park sculpture, Ocean Song, a nod to the artist's father, John T Scott, and tie in to the event as the sculpture is prominently featured on the festival grounds. "French Quarter Fest has done a lot to keep local and regional artists' careers alive, and I am honored to be on this year's poster," said Irma Thomas.
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. announced the music lineup for the French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, which takes place April 11-14, 2019. A full schedule will be revealed in March. Check the link with photos and names of the performers.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155777192185870&type=1&l=81757f1528

I also enjoyed very much an impromptu visit to my favorite plantation, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. . 

Luncheon at Cafe Burnside at Houmas House

MB, Executive Chef Jeremy Anglois & Cecily Neville Boudreaux of Houmas House and Lolita 

When my roommate and chauffeur invited me to join him chauffeuring three sisters from Ireland to Houmas House, “The Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road,” I didn't hesitate one minute. I always enjoy the exquisite "Sugar Palace" and the cooking of talented award-winning Executive Chef, Jeremy Langlois. It was awesome.

Please enjoy the latest digital copy of New Orleans Living Magazine 

Please check out the menu and the  latest information about the upcoming Round Table Luncheon at the bottom of the blog. 

Darlings, this week is going to be a hectic and exciting one:
Friday Link, Lafete News, February 8, 2019
https://conta.cc/2DmrkSU

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury
Lafete News




Thursday, Feb. 7
Renaissance Publishing Tops of the Town
Tops of the Town 2019
by Renaissance Foundation

Take a step back into the roaring 20s at New Orleans Magazine' Speakeasy in the big Easy! Don't miss New Orleans Magazine's 2019 Tops of the Town. Enjoy live entertainment by Anais St. John and The Boogie Men, indulge in culinary creations from more than 20 fabulous local chefs and eateries and sip wine, beer and a signature cocktail at Republic NOLA.

 Thursday, February 7 from 7–10 p.m. at Republic NOLA. The event will feature entertainment by Anais St. John and The Boogie Men, tasty tidbits from 20 restaurants, wine, beer and signature cocktails.
If you are a fan of the Yat Pack -
Thursdays at Twilight
Pavillion of the Two Sisters inside the Botanical Gardens. Admission is $10 per person with mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and food available for purchase. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the performance begins at 6 p.m.
http://neworleanscitypark.com/calendar/category/thursdays-at-twilight
Thursdays at Twilight
Botanical Garden
Start: Feb 07th at 6:00 pm
End: Feb 07th at 8:00 pm
THE YAT PACK: The Yat Pack is a New Orleans based band modeled on the 60's Vegas Swing Era. They will perform classic big band numbers by Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin as well as contemporary artists like Michael Bublé, Billy Joel, and Harry Connick, Jr. They will also mix in a heavy dose of good old New Orleans R&B. Click the 'buy tickets' icon to the left of this paragraph to buy your $10/person tickets now! Please make sure to click the 'more information' below for further information about the concerts or to contact someone to answer your questions.
theyatpack.com


 8

 
 
Mozart's 
Abduction from the Seraglio 
February 8th-10th, Mahalia Jackson Theater

New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) will present a theatrical ode to one of the greatest cinematic eras. Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio will be directed by visionary Alison Moritz and conducted by NOOA General & Artistic Director, Robert Lyall, and will feature performances by renowned visiting artists Heather Phillips, Katrina Galke, Joshua Dennis, Matthew Grills, and Timothy Bruno, as well as performances by local artists Kenneth Weber, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New Orleans Opera Chorus.
 8
Dreamgirls-

Tickets for Dreamgirls may be purchased online at www.jpas.org

February 8 - 24, 2019
Jefferson Performing Arts Center - Metairie, LA


Jefferson Performing Arts Society Presents

DREAMGIRLS

Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen 
Music by Henry Krieger 
Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by 
Michael Bennett 
Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler 

Directed by Christopher Bentivegna
Musical Direction by Robert Pate
Choreography by Polanco Jones, Jr.
Stage Management by Kendall Yonko

JPAS Symphony Orchestra
Robert Pate, Conductor

Friday, Feb. 8
Faubourg Marigny Tour
10 a.m. 
Faubourg Marigny was one of the city’s earliest suburbs, located immediately downriver from the Vieux CarrĂ© on land subdivided from the plantation of Bernard Marigny de Mandeville, one of New Orleans most colorful historical figures. Today, the Marigny is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a city-designated historic district, due to its preservation of Creole cottages and many ornamented shotgun dwellings. Join in on an exploration of this unique neighborhood.

Saturday, Feb. 9
Battle of New Orleans Tour
11 a.m.

The Battle of New Orleans was a defining event in America’s national identity. The Friends of the Cabildo’s Battle of New Orleans Tour offers a fascinating look at the battle away from the battlefield, from lost locations of forts that protected the city, to Jackson’s headquarters, to events in the French Quarter related to the unfolding battle.

All tours are $25 general admission, $20 for FOC members. 

Feb. 9
Martin Lawrence Gallery Hosts " Meet the Artist Opening Reception" & Exhibit of Whimsical Works by Artist Robert Deyber​ 
   
'Robert Deyber'
FEB9

Meet Robert Deyber -
Public  
  
  Martin Lawrence Gallery, 433 Royal Street (at St. Louis Street, in the block of Brennan’s Restaurant)
6:00- 8:00 p.m.Exhibit runs through Mardi Gras, March 5.


 Saturday, Feb. 9
CAC's Sweetarts 2019 “Made with Love”
 
SweetArts, CAC's premier annual gala returns on Saturday, February 9, 2019. 
Gala honorees include: Carol Bebelle, Executive Director of the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, for Visual Arts; performing and teaching artist Cameron-Mitchell Ware for Arts Education; musician and performer Aurora Nealand for Performing Arts; and Dorothy Coleman (in memoriam), Founder and former President of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, for Philanthropy. Funds raised by the SweetArts gala support the CAC's mission to present diverse and exciting multidisciplinary contemporary arts programming including visual arts, performing arts, and educational and public programs.
The Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans (CAC) is pleased to announce SweetArts 2019, its premier annual gala, on Saturday, February 9 from 6:30 pm–midnight at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street, New Orleans. The theme of the 2019 SweetArts gala is Made With Love and it reflects on how love inspires the process of making art.

Feb. 9 
“Ochsner Red Tie Affair”
This gala will celebrate the accomplishments and journeys of cardiology patients and providers across the Ochsner Health System, with all funds raised to support Ochsner cardiology patients and services. The event will also celebrate the life and work of the late Dr. John Ochsner.
Tickets: $250/Ticket; Tables Available at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Call 842-7113

Feb. 10 
Bridge House/Grace House's 10th annual “Recycled Fashion Show”
This annual event will highlight thrift store finds on the runway, where local designers will invent unique outfits for models to showcase, exclusively using clothing
Rock ‘N’ Bowl, South Carrollton Avenue at Earhardt Blvd., New Orleans
Contact: 821-7134
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Literary Round Table Luncheon  
Darlings, I am thrilled to announce that award -winning author Nancy Penrose is joining the stellar line-up of authors at my upcoming Literary Luncheon on Wednesday, February 13 at noon at the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans. 
Nancy L. Penrose is an award-winning writer whose essays have been published in literary magazines and anthologies. She is the coauthor, with Angela Gregory, of A Dream and a Chisel: Louisiana Sculptor Angela Gregory in Paris, 1925-1928.
The annual Literary Round Table Luncheon Saluting New Orleans Authors will take place on Wednesday, February 13 at noon in the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans Street in the French Quarter.
The featured luncheon speakers will be:
Jason Berry, acclaimed author, writer, journalist and filmmaker, who will be presenting and signing his book, “City of a Million Dreams: A History of New Orleans at Year 300.” 
Deborah Burst, award-winning freelance writer, photographer and author of her recent book, “Spirits of the Bayou.” 
Dr. Rosary Hartel O'Neill, author of twenty plays and three books who will be talking about her latest book, “New Orleans Voodoo.”
My co-host will be six-time published author and freelance writer, Dean M. Shapiro, who will introduce the speakers.
In celebration of Valentine's Day, attorney Russ Herman, who was named 2007 Lawyer of the Year by Lawyers USA and who recently published his first book of poetry, will be reading two love poems from his poetry book, “The Topography of Life, Love and Travel.” The live entertainment will be by popular pianist Jim Walpole, followed by vocalist MaryFlynn and pianist/entertainer Philip Melancon.
In addition, there will be an informal fashion show of exquisite hats made by Hautes Dames. 
The $65, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet Luncheon:
Mixed Green Salad
With Candied Pecans, Boursin Cheese Crumbles, Sliced strawberries, Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing.
EntrĂ©e: Pan-Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes With Fresh Asparagus and Remoulade Sauce and 
Dessert:Red Velvet Cake.
*Special Vegetarian or Seafood Allergy options are available and must be requested when confirming your reservation.

Plus champagne/wines and valet parking. Make your reservations now by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504)5 71-4672 or email her atJudy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.
Guests are encouraged to wear Red in honor of Valentine's Day.